'equitably-returned' originates from the Latin word 'aequitas,' meaning 'fairness,' combined with the Old French 'retourner,' meaning 'to turn back.'

'aequitas' transformed into the English word 'equitable,' and 'retourner' became 'return,' eventually forming the modern English term 'equitably-returned.'

Initially, it meant 'returned in a fair manner,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.